CRITICAL REVIEW

The Transition from Stiff to Compliant Materials in Squid Beaks

The Transition from Stiff to Compliant Materials in Squid Beaks

Name of Organism

The organism studied in this article is the Dosidicus gigas, also known as the Humboldt squid. This creature possesses a beak that is one of the hardest organic materials known to man. It used this beak to crush the spine of its prey so that it can easily feed on it (Thompson, n.a.). This creature is a marvel of creation and is the only animal known to possess a beak with such properties. The recreation of such a beak would lead to the simplification of various tasks and the creation of materials that have the required strength.

Aspects suitable for Biomimicry

By studying the beak of the Humboldt squid, the innovation of such materials can take place that are hard, resistant to damage, and stiff. Such materials can be used in biological and engineering applications since it is organic and its toughness can be very useful. Biomimicry can lead to the creation of materials that perform exceptionally well in stress tests. Such materials can replace metals in several ways. Another application of this research is the creation of stronger bonds resulting from analysing the way two different materials are bonded together in the beak to form a seamless structure that is stiff at every location. Being organic, there is a possibility that these materials will need less energy to produce and will lead to lower levels of wastage.

Method:

As science continues to make new discoveries, materials that were previously unthinkable have been created and applied in everyday use. The discoveries that have made the biggest impact have come by studying animals and plants. One such study that is being conducted is on the beak of the Humboldt squid. The uniqueness of this beak is that it is the strongest organic material known to man and hence it is attracting scientist from all over the world to analyze its composition and reproduce it in labs so that it may eventually be able to enter mass production.

Studies have shown that the beak is made up of materials such as His-rich proteins, water, chitin, and some dark pigment. The composition of the beak changes from a mixture of water and chitin at the base to a mixture of pigment and protein at the tip (Waite et al, pp. 111). This polymer contains fibres that give the beak its stiffness since chitin is stiff but requires some other materials in order to give it the properties it currently possesses. The protein in the tip of the beak is also a strong compound containing two amino acids. These two amino acids bond together to form a very stiff material. This is the reason that the darker coloured tip is much stronger compared to the lighter coloured base (Messersmith, pp. 1767-1768).

Studies have shown that water is one of the most crucial components in giving the beak its stiffness. When dried up, the stiffness of the beak reduced ...